Summary:
Panasea is located on a bridgeless island in the Gulf of Mexico. Leave your car and your cares at the marina because Little Gasparilla is accessible only by water taxi! Our beaches are uncrowded and tourists and traffic are just a mainland memory. The home takes its name from the Greek word "panacea", which is a "remedy for all ills and difficulties" or an elixir! This home truly fulfills that name.
The Space:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars or restaurants on Little Gasparilla which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years Little Gasparilla was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach and enjoy the privacy, peace and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic and technology.
Once you step foot into this comfortable home, your stress and worldly cares will melt away. The view of the beach, the sound of the waves, the smell of the balmy breezes, the sound of the shorebirds and the feel of your toes in the sand will whisk away your anxiety and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated with the warmth and relaxation that only a beach can provide. Staying at the beach is truly a sensory experience, and this home allows you to experience the BEST of what Little Gasparilla Island has to offer!
This home has been designed to best capture the essence of a fabulous beach vacation....outdoor sundecks upstairs and downstairs with lots of chaise lounges for sunning, table and chairs for outdoor dining and beach chairs for relaxing on the beach.
There is one bedroom with queen bed downstairs and access to a bath for those with mobility issues. The laundry room is also on the main floor. Upstairs there are two additional bedrooms and another bathroom with tub and shower. Both of the upstairs bedrooms have sliding doors that open to the private upstairs sundeck. The home is fully equipped with towels and beach towels so you can pack light. The master bedroom has a brand new king bed and the guest room has a queen.
The downstairs living area is open and airy with full views of the Gulf of Mexico! There is a new flatscreen TV in the living area, but quite frankly, we don't think you will want to watch TV when you can be watching dolphins cavort right out in front of the house, and fat manatees drifting along the sand bar. Take a glass of wine to the beach and join the islanders as they watch the sunset and search for the elusive "green flash". This home is perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway for just two.
The home has been thoughtfully equipped with the extras that enhance your Little Gasparilla lifestyle...games and toys, two single ocean kayaks and a stand up paddleboard, a charcoal grill, televisions in each bedroom AND the family room, satellite TV with DVR, a DVD player and a library of DVDs for the rare rainy day or evening entertainment!
There is a private boardwalk to the beach so you do not have to trudge through hot sand to access the beach.
WiFi - included. Speeds adequate for web-browsing, emails, social media, but may not support games or streaming.
Pet Policy - $100 pet fee (per pet), no large pets. Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.
Minimum Renter Age - 25
Damage Protection - The $59 charge listed as a "management fee" on your quote covers your purchase of $2500 of “all risk” damage protection coverage on your rental property. This protection is purchased in lieu of a cash damage deposit. Coverage details are spelled out in your contract.
Boat Slip - included on dock number 48 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off)
Complimentary Concierge- will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home
Satellite TV - yes
Grill Type - charcoal
Coffee maker- drip (filters provided)
Parking - $8/night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi
Wi-fi via satellite is provided, but please understand that wi-fi may not be the best for entertainment... streaming is iffy and you probably should download movies and books to your i-pad or tablet before arriving.
Getting Around:
You park your vehicle at Eldred's Marina on the Boca Grande Causeway. Parking is $8 a day, $10 if you have a boat trailer. There you catch Pirate's Water Taxi which will drop you right at the dock where our concierge will meet you with his golf cart and take you and your luggage and groceries to the house.
Other Things to Note:
Your rental rate includes all linens (including beach towels), a grill, and the services of the island concierge who can meet you at the dock with a golf cart upon arrival to assist with transporting your groceries and luggage to the home.
Please evaluate your expectations before booking a stay on Little Gasparilla Island. If you are expecting a polished "resort" atmosphere, Little Gasparilla is decidedly more rustic. During periods of heavy rain or tropical storms, there may be standing water on the roadways, at the dock and around the house. This is a tropical environment with mosquitos, rust, power outages and other minor inconveniences. If you are expecting resort amenities and services, the island might not be for you.
FAQ
Parking- You can NOT DRIVE TO THE ISLAND. You park your car at the marina for $8per day ($10 with a boat trailer).
Water taxi- The water taxi runs by appointment only and it is $15 per person (each way) during regular daytime hours. The water taxi will drop you off at the dock for Panasea.
WiFi - available via satellite. Speeds adequate for web-browsing, emails, social media, but not games or streaming. Data limitations apply.
Extras - this home offers two kayaks for guest's use
Interaction with Guests:
We value your privacy so we will not bother you or be intrusive, but we can get to the home quickly if you have issues. Our guest services manager lives on the island 10 minutes away and we have a local handyman that we can send out if there are maintenance issues. Please note, however, that the handyman is subject to the same problems getting to the island that you were. If something breaks after 4 PM chances are almost 100% that it will not be repaired until the following day. This is a remote barrier island and our mantra is "go with the flow".